2007 De Tierra Estate Monterey Merlot

About This Wine

Tom Russell has been farming in California for more than 30 years.

“We are involved in the growing, packing, shipping and processing of more than 100 different commodities,” he explains, matter of factly. And since 1997, his agricultural activities have included winemaking, utilizing organically-grown grapes from a unique location in Monterey County.

That location is deep in Corral de Tierra, at the foot of Mt. Toro between the Santa Lucia Highlands and Carmel Valley. Author John Steinbeck described the area as “pastures of heaven.” There, Russell and his team farm winegrapes — as well as olives for the making of award-winning olive oil — all without chemical pesticides. From the day the grapevines were planted in 1997, organic farming methods have been utilized.

That’s why there’s such a sense of purity in De Tierra’s 2007 Merlot. It was crafted from grapes that were grown in an earth-friendly way, assuring many more successful harvests and delicious wines to come.

About Merlot

Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon but with less tannin and fruit. Delivers earlier maturing wines. Often blended with Cabernet; on its own may soften with age, though fruit flavors may fade.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Merlot
• Grape Source:Estate Vineyard in Monterey County, Calif.
• Aromas & Flavors:Red & Black Cherries, Kirsch Raspberry, Sweet Cedar, Caramel, Toast and Tobacco
• Aging Vessels:Hungarian Oak Barrels for 22 Months
• When to Drink:Now Through 2014
• Food Pairing Suggestionprime rib, or meatloaf with a mild barbecue sauce.

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